IDEA is a global membership organization of health and fitness professionals with over 23,000 members in more than 80 countries. Members benefit from IDEA’s unbiased data, educational resources, career development opportunities and industry leadership. Members range from personal trainers and group fitness instructors to business owners and managers. They are the leading voice for health and fitness professionals.
Amy Boone Thompson
Amy Boone Thompson, owner of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, San Diego, has spent nearly three decades working in the health and fitness industry. In her career, she has held a variety of roles, from practitioner to presenter to executive. She has a unique perspective and a deep commitment to the health and fitness industry that helps others to realize their goals.
The IDEA Health & Fitness Association is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2019. Over the past four decades, the organization has helped the fitness industry navigate some difficult times. Many gyms have closed their doors, leaving people disconnected from their health and wellness routines. This has led to a demand for top-quality education for fitness professionals. This enables them to have an impact in their communities.
Rick Richey
Rick Richey is the host of the “NASM-CPT Podcast.” He is often called upon by news outlets for his opinions and has written several chapters for the NASM textbooks. He also holds a master’s and doctoral degree in health science and exercise leadership. His humor, personal experience, and storytelling skills allow him to break down complex material in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
He is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist and physical therapist. He has worked in the fitness industry for over a decade. He is also a faculty instructor for the National Academy of Sports Medicine. In June, he opened his own fitness studio, the Independent Training Spot.
Lacee Green
Lacee Green is one of the world’s most influential fitness women and is considered an Emerging Trailblazer by the IDEA Health & Fitness Association. As a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, she has helped people around the world lead healthier, happier lifestyles. She is also a certified nutritionist and has experience as a fitness model. She is an inspiration to other women in the fitness industry and aims to create a community for those who are looking to improve their health and their fitness.
Founded in 1975, IDEA is the leading association for fitness professionals around the globe. With over 275,000 members, the IDEA provides world-class resources, education and networking opportunities. The organization publishes the award-winning IDEA Fitness Journal and empowers fit professionals with global conferences. It also offers more than 900 streaming videos and connects more than 40 million consumers and fitness professionals worldwide through IDEA FitnessConnect.
Kia Williams
Kia Williams is a master fitness educator and global presenter who has appeared on numerous television shows, podcasts and websites. She is a member of the IDEA Health & Fitness Association and hosts the popular Fit & Fierce on the Mic podcast, which offers her audience tangible tips and expert advice. She is also an author and serves on the executive board of the NAACP Tarrant County Branch.
Williams was recently named the 2022 IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year and welcomes Dr. Darian Parker, a sports education leadership and behavior modification doctorate, to discuss the various facets of fitness and leadership. They discuss various fitness topics, including healthy eating and exercise, and Kia Williams’s passion for helping others.
Dr. Darian Parker
Dr. Darian Parker, a certified personal trainer, has a Ph.D. in Sports Education Leadership and a Master’s degree in kinesiology. She has worked in the fitness industry for 21 years in a variety of settings including the private club and academic sectors. She has also served on various committees and written for some of the world’s leading fitness organizations.
Before founding the idea health & fitness association, Parker earned a PhD and an M.Phil. in sociocultural anthropology from Yale University. She also has BAs in English literature and anthropology from UCLA. She continues to teach in various settings and has been a guest lecturer at several colleges and universities. Her courses include cultural anthropology, West African dance, and anthropology.
